Evaluation of Assessments of Motor Performance, Physical Impairments and Functional Abilities

This study will evaluate new assessment tools and equipment and new ways of using existing tools and equipment in the NIH Clinical Center's Rehabilitation Medicine Department in order to maximize patients' function. The Department assesses and treats NIH patients with chronic pain, problems in walking or getting around, activities of daily living, performing tasks needed for jobs or hobbies, communicating and chewing and swallowing.

Children and adults of all ages with disabilities and healthy normal volunteers may be eligible for this study.

The following kinds of assessments are evaluated in this study:

Assessments of Impairments

Impairments are problems such as loss of movement, weakness or loss of sensation. Assessments may include measurements of range of motion, strength, sensation, pain, joint stability or mobility, joint angles, limb and girth, gait, exercise tolerance, stamina, or ultrasound imaging of muscle and swallowing function.

Assessments of Function and Performance

Functional and performance assessments look at how well subjects perform actions, such as walking or getting around, dressing, or preparing meals. They may include evaluations of activities of daily living, leisure activities, fatigue, vocational activity, school activity, coping skills, and quality of life. The assessments may be done by questionnaires or interviews and by watching subjects perform the activities.

Assessments of Treatment Techniques

Treatment techniques are assessed by evaluating methods and equipment used to treat patients with impairments or problems with function. They may evaluate, for example, the use of heat, cold, strengthening exercises, fitness exercises, TENS units, splinting and orthotics, or shoe modifications.